In this latest episode of The Cigar Guys Podcast, Alex Gonzalez, Zachary Nikollaj, and Jared Burrows discuss their recommendations for the top cigar lounges locally, nationally, and worldwide.
1. Experiences of Cigar Lounge
Florida’s Local Favorites:
- Corona Cigar Lounge, Tampa: Recommended for social gatherings, this is a very lively atmosphere close to the Hard Rock Casino.
- Celery City Cigars: A blend of signature cocktails and a laid-back vibe.
- Cigarz on the Avenue: Less fancy, more laid-back, perfect to chill on an evening.
National Favorites:
- Outlaw Cigars of Kansas: Large venue with a bar, live music, and a brewery atmosphere.
- Churchills (Colorado): Upscale hotel with classic leather-chair ambiance.
- Don Christo’s Cigar Lounge (Michigan): Upscale steak house, complete bar, huge humidor.
International Favorites:
- James J. Fox (London): High-end cigar lounge selling Cuban cigars; service is exemplary.
- La Casa de Habano (Global): Immense selection of Cuban cigars, highly reliable.
- No. 6 Cavendish: This is a luxury space offering the best selection of Cuban cigars.
- Cigar Lounge Criteria
- Ambiance: The lounges range from upscale and business-friendly to casual and laid-back. Also preferred are darker wood aesthetics with a cozy, traditional cigar lounge atmosphere.
- Service: Lounges with the best service—from lighting cigars to special drink recommendations and customer experiences—are truly the best.
- Challenges of the Cigar Industry
- European Market Trends: The scarce supply of Cuban cigars has opened the door to opportunities for the New World cigar brands. Resistance from the traditional European smokers who find New World cigars too strong.
- Cultural Preferences: The Cuban cigars are known for their smooth flavor against the more robust profiles of New World cigars.
Recommendation and Tips
- For Beginners: Start with lounges that provide a wide selection along with knowledgeable staff.
- Traveler Tip: Research your destination for cigar lounges to ask about any ‘insider’ information.
- Bring Your Own: If the lounge charges exorbitant prices for cigars, like the Soho Cigar Lounge in NYC, bring your own and meet the purchase minimum with drinks or food.
Takeaway
This episode of The Cigar Guys Podcast provides an entertaining review of cigar culture, focusing on ambiance, service, and stand-out cigar lounges in the U.S. and internationally. The relaxed style makes it fun to listen to for both the enthusiast and the newcomer.
170. PCA 2026 Preview: Sans Pareil CEO & VP on What’s Coming | The Cigar Guys Podcast – The Cigar Guys Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheCigarGuysOur Podcast Microphones: https://www.maono.com/tcg (Maono PD200W)In this episode of The Cigar Guys Podcast, we sit down with David Swinburne (CEO) and Joe Perkins (VP of Sales) of Sans Pareil Cigars for a cigar show focused on preparation, positioning, and what could be a massive year for one of the most luxurious and exclusive cigar brands in the industry.With PCA 2026 on the horizon, we dive into how Sans Pareil is preparing for the biggest trade show of the year — from brand strategy and growth to what it takes to stand out at the highest level of the premium cigar market.This conversation builds on our previous discussions around Sans Pareil, but this time we go deeper into the vision, execution, and expectations for what could be their most successful year yet.In This Episode:• Preparing for PCA 2026 and what it takes to win at the trade show• The strategy behind building a luxury cigar brand• How Sans Pareil positions itself at the top of the market• Growth, expansion, and expectations for the year ahead• The mindset required to operate at a premium level in the cigar industryThis is a high-level cigar show conversation about brand building, leadership, and the future of luxury cigars.👉 LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more cigar conversations, industry insights, and cigar show–level discussions with top-tier brand leaders.🎙 The Cigar Guys PodcastHosts: Alex Gonzalez, Mark Nikollaj, Zachary Nikollaj, and Jared Burrows📲 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @thecigarguys🔥 Special thanks to David Swinburne, Joe Perkins, and Sans Pareil Cigars.——————————Sponsored by Sans Pareil Cigars: https://sanspareilcigar.com/Tip Jar: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G8A8MU7Y3V9W8Text or Call us: https://app.minnect.com/expert/TheCigarGuysCigar providers, accessories, and more content:https://thecigarguys.com/socialsOur Cigar Brand: https://1102cigars.comCigar Guys Merch: https://cigarguys.shopOur Cigar Book: https://amazon.com/Cigar-Guys-Ultimate-Guide-Smoking/dp/B0C7DXRCCRCollaboration/Sponsorship Inquiries: info@thecigarguys.comMain Website: https://thecigarguys.com
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